Admission to Nursing

Note: Eastern Oklahoma State College will temporarily suspend enrollment for the Basic Licensure Program and LPN/EMTP-RN Transition Program for the 2017-18 academic year at the Idabel teaching site due to low enrollment. Admissions at the Idabel campus will resume for the 2018-19 academic year. If you have any questions, please contact Director Gina Bullock at 918-465-1796.

Selection, Admission, Retention and Progression

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Eastern Oklahoma State College has a minimum criterion for admission and standards for achievement which are to be met for retention and progression. The standards for admission are intended to provide a reasonable assurance of student success in the program. The Selection and Retention Committee is comprised of nursing faculty with the Director of Nursing Education being the Chairperson for that committee.

Admissions

One class of generic students is admitted to the Wilburton, McAlester and Idabel campuses each year for the fall semester. One class of students qualifying for advanced standing (Licensed Practical Nurse and Paramedic) is admitted to the Wilburton and Idabel campuses each academic year during the spring semester. Qualified applicants are selected on the basis of criteria listed. A completed application consists of an application to the nursing program as well as the school, ACT results, high school transcript or HiSET/GED results, college transcripts, and verification of physical qualifications.

Late applications will be considered if space is available. Incomplete applications are not accepted. Applications must be submitted on or before February 15th for the basic program and October 1st for Transition (Bridge) program of each year.

Admissions of Persons with a History of Arrests or Convictions

“The Eastern Oklahoma State College Nursing Program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council licensure Examination (NCLEX) for (registered or practical) nurses. Applicants for Oklahoma licensure must meet all state and federal requirements to hold an Oklahoma license to practice nursing. In addition to completing a state-approved nursing education program, requirements include submission of an application for licensure with a criminal history records search and successfully passing the licensure examination. Applicants for practical nurse licensure must also hold a high school diploma or HiSET/GED [59 O.S. ~567.5 & 567.6]. To be granted a license, an applicant must have a legal right to reside in the United States (United States Code Chapter 8, Section 1621).

The Board has the right to deny a license to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on another health-related license or certification, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence [59 O.S. ~567.8]. These cases are considered on an individual basis at the time application for licensure is made, with the exception of felony charges. An individual with a felony conviction cannot apply for licensure for at least five years after completion of all sentencing terms, including probation and suspected sentences, unless a presidential or gubernatorial pardon is received [59 O.S. ~567.5 & 567.6]. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Board of Nursing website.

Acceptance into the nursing program in no way guarantees that a student with a history of a felony or misdemeanor will be admitted into a clinical site or approved to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

Criteria For Admission

Admission Criteria is based on GPA, ACT, academic achievement in sciences, and specific work experience. Candidates are given points according to a scale. The students with the highest points are accepted for admission according to the number of class vacancies. Only fully complete applications will be considered for admission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Completed applications submitted after the established deadlines will be considered only if space is available. It is the student’s sole responsibility to ensure that applications are complete prior to submission for consideration of admission.

1. GPA Requirement

For students who have 12 hours or more of college credit, college GPA will be utilized. If less than 12 hours of college credit, high school GPA will be used if the student has graduated with a high school diploma. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. Points will be designated as follows:

GPA:

2.5 - 3.0

= 1 point

3.1 - 3.5

= 3 points

3.6 - 4.0

or BS Degree

= 5 points

Maximum Points = 5

2. ACT Requirements

A minimum of 19 for ACT composite score is required to be considered for admission. Points will be awarded as follows:

ACT:

19-22 Composite

= 1 point

23-26 Composite

= 3 points

27 or above Composite

= 5 points

Maximum Points = 5

3. Science Requirements

Supporting sciences must be completed no more than 7 years prior to course commencement in NURS 1118 or NURS 1303. Points will be awarded for each of the following supporting sciences: Anatomy, Nutrition, Physiology, and Microbiology.

A

=

3 points

B

=

2 points

C

=

1 point

Chemistry

=

1 point (C or above)*

Maximum Points = 13

4. Work Experience

Submit copy of current state issued License/Certification with application.

EMT

= 1 point

Certified Nursing Assistant

= 2 points

LPN or Paramedic

= 3 points

Maximum Points = 3

Possible Admission Points = 26

5. Physical Qualifications

In order to be considered for admission, all applicants must sign the physical qualification form included in the admission application.

Have physical strength to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

Have visual capacity to read small print on medication labels.

Have sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from clients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, cardiac monitors, fire alarms, etc.

Communicate in clear English speech patterns, verbal and written.

Demonstrate coordinated range of motion of all four extremities without assistive devices.

Must be able to demonstrate appropriate and rational behavior while under mental and emotional stress

6. National Background Screening

Upon nursing program application, a national background screening must be submitted at the cost of the student. Submission for background screening is located on the nursing application.

Retention and Promotion

In order to continue in the Nursing Program a student must:

Receive a final grade of "C" or above in each nursing course, which includes passing the math competency exam, theory, and clinical components/evaluation for Nursing 1118, 1218, 2118, 2218 and 1303 (No clinical evaluation for 1303). A student who at any time during the semester is deemed to be unsafe in the clinical area may be subject to withdrawal from the program.

Receive a final grade of “C” no more than 7 years prior to course commencement as per progression policy.

Anatomy - Biol 2114

Physiology - Biol 2204

Nutrition - Nutr 1203

Introduction to Microbiology - Biol 2124

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above in all courses.

Knowledge of the requirements for the program is the student’s responsibility. Students are responsible for documentation of the completion of all prerequisite courses. If, at any point in the Nursing Program, it is determined that the student has not completed all prerequisite courses, the student will be administratively withdrawn from required nursing courses. After completion of the missing prerequisite course(s), the student may apply for readmission to the program following the requirements. Student must have completed the required pre-requisites as defined in the academic catalog in order to enroll in each subsequent nursing course. Prerequisite science courses must be completed with a “C” or above.

All courses other than nursing may be taken prior to admission in the nursing program.

Persons convicted of a felony while enrolled in the nursing program will be summarily dismissed and will not be eligible for readmission. Students charged, arrested, or convicted of any misdemeanor or felony must notify the Nursing Director within five (5) days.

Grade Computation for Progression

Theory and clinical points will be combined only upon successful completion of the following:

Achievement of a 75% or higher theory grade

Achievement of a 75 % or higher clinical grade on clinical assignments

Must achieve a “satisfactory” on the clinical evaluation If the student fails either component of the course, the final course grade will be the failing grade.

If the student fails either component of the course, the final course grade will be the failing grade.

Special requirements for students with LPN/Paramedic licensure

Current unrestricted licensure will be maintained until completion of the nursing program.

Students receiving any disciplinary action against their license must notify the Nursing Director within five (5) schools days. The Nursing Director reserves the right to restrict the student’s participation in clinical experiences and involvement in patient care until the license is valid and unrestricted and terms of the action are met and the action is dismissed.

Advanced Standing for LPNs/Paramedics

Any LPN/Paramedic currently licensed is eligible to apply to the Eastern Oklahoma State College Associate Degree Nursing Program for the opportunity to challenge the first year nursing courses. Qualified LPN’s/Paramedics will be accepted into the challenge process and will be allowed to challenge Nursing 1118, and Nursing 1218. When these challenges are completed successfully, the LPN/Paramedic will have credit for these courses applied to their transcript and will be eligible to enter the second year of the nursing program. Admission to the second year will be on a space available basis. In order to receive the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree, the qualified LPN/Paramedic must successfully complete Transition in Nursing (NURS 1303) and all of the second year nursing courses at Eastern, (NURS 2118, NURS 2218, and NURS 2212), plus a minimum of 34 general education credit hours. For advanced placement credit to be included on an Eastern transcript, a student must complete a minimum of 12 hours at Eastern and be in good academic standing.

Procedure for Obtaining Advanced Standing as an LPN/Paramedic

Follow application guidelines to Eastern and to the A.D.N. Program.

Submit proof of licensure as LPN or Paramedic.

On selection to the program, complete the challenge exams. The challenge exams for NURS 1118 and NURS 1218 will be in three parts with two attempts allowed for each.Part I: Assessment Technologies Institute-Fundamental Exam I.Part II: Assessment Technologies Institute-Maternity/Newborn Exam.Part III: Assessment Technologies Institute-Nursing Care of Children Exam.

Submit documentation of 800 hours, within the past 5 years, in approved clinical practice before beginning Nursing 2118

Criteria for Admission

Admission Criteria is based on GPA, ACT, and academic achievement in sciences. Candidates are given points according to a scale. The students with the highest points are accepted for admission according to the number of class vacancies.

1. GPA Requirement

For students who have 12 hours or more of college credit, college GPA will be utilized. If less than 12 hours of college credit, high school GPA will be used if the student has graduated with a high school diploma. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. Points will be designated as follows:

GPA:

2.5 - 3.0

= 1 point

3.1 - 3.5

= 3 points

3.6 - 4.0

or BS Degree

= 5 points

Maximum Points = 5

2. ACT Requirements

A minimum of 19 for ACT composite score is required to be considered for admission. Points will be awarded as follows:

ACT:

19-22 Composite

= 1 point

23-26 Composite

= 3 points

27 or above Composite

= 5 points

Maximum Points = 5

3. Science Requirements

Supporting sciences must be completed no more than 7 years prior to course commencement in NURS 1118 or NURS 1303. Points will be awarded for each of the following supporting sciences: Anatomy, Nutrition, Physiology, and Microbiology.

A

=

3 points

B

=

2 points

C

=

1 point

Chemistry

=

1 point (C or above)*

Maximum Points = 13

Possible Admission Points = 23

4. Physical Qualifications

In order to be considered for admission, all applicants must sign the physical qualification form included in the admission application.

Have physical strength to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

Have visual capacity to read small print on medication labels.

Have sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from clients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, cardiac monitors, fire alarms, etc.

Communicate in clear English speech patterns, verbal and written.

Demonstrate coordinated range of motion of all four extremities without assistive devices.

Must be able to demonstrate appropriate and rational behavior while under mental and emotional stress

6. National Background Screening

Upon nursing program application, a national background screening must be submitted at the cost of the student. Submission for background screening is located on the nursing application.

Special requirements for students with LPN/Paramedic licensure

Current unrestricted licensure will be maintained until completion of the nursing program.

Students receiving any disciplinary action against their license must notify the Nursing Director within five (5) schools days. The Nursing Director reserves the right to restrict the student’s participation in clinical experiences and involvement in patient care until the license is valid and unrestricted and terms of the action are met and the action is dismissed.

Direct Articulation For LPNs

The Eastern Associate Degree Nursing Faculty has chosen to participate in the Oklahoma P.N./A.D.N. Articulation Plan. LPNs must apply and be accepted to Eastern Oklahoma State College, and then they can apply for direct articulation to nursing, based on the plan. A “C” or higher in all science courses is required. This must be attained before credit will be granted for the required Nursing course work for that semester. To graduate, all LPNs must complete the second year of A.D.N. course work at Eastern. For any advance placement credit to be included on an Eastern transcript, a student must complete a minimum of twelve hours at Eastern and be in good academic standing.

The Oklahoma P.N./A.D.N. Articulation Plan as approved by the Oklahoma Board of Regents gives LPNs/Paramedics the opportunity to receive college credit for practical nursing education without challenge examinations. Credit may be granted according to the following criteria:

Must be currently licensed as an LPN.

Must have graduated from an Oklahoma ACEN Accredited Practical Nursing School within 5 years.

Students will receive credit for the first and second semester nursing courses. (Nursing 1118 and Nursing 1218)

The number of credit hours will be determined by the granting educational institution.

Criteria for Admission

Admission Criteria is based on GPA, ACT, and academic achievement in sciences. Candidates are given points according to a scale. The students with the highest points are accepted for admission according to the number of class vacancies.

1. GPA Requirement

For students who have 12 hours or more of college credit, college GPA will be utilized. If less than 12 hours of college credit, high school GPA will be used if the student has graduated with a high school diploma. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. Points will be designated as follows:

GPA:

2.5 - 3.0

= 1 point

3.1 - 3.5

= 3 points

3.6 - 4.0

or BS Degree

= 5 points

Maximum Points = 5

2. ACT Requirements

A minimum of 19 for ACT composite score is required to be considered for admission. Points will be awarded as follows:

ACT:

19-22 Composite

= 1 point

23-26 Composite

= 3 points

27 or above Composite

= 5 points

Maximum Points = 5

3. Science Requirements

Supporting sciences must be completed no more than 7 years prior to course commencement in NURS 1118 or NURS 1303. Points will be awarded for each of the following supporting sciences: Anatomy, Nutrition, Physiology, and Microbiology.

A

=

3 points

B

=

2 points

C

=

1 point

Chemistry = 1 point (C or above)*

Maximum Points = 13

Possible Admission Points = 23

4. Physical Qualifications

In order to be considered for admission, all applicants must sign the physical qualification form included in the admission application.

Have physical strength to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

Have visual capacity to read small print on medication labels.

Have sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from clients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, cardiac monitors, fire alarms, etc.

Communicate in clear English speech patterns, verbal and written.

Demonstrate coordinated range of motion of all four extremities without assistive devices.

Must be able to demonstrate appropriate and rational behavior while under mental and emotional stress

6. National Background Screening

Upon nursing program application, a national background screening must be submitted at the cost of the student. Submission for background screening is located on the nursing application.

Special requirements for students with LPN/Paramedic licensure

Current unrestricted licensure will be maintained until completion of the nursing program. Students receiving any disciplinary action against their license must notify the Nursing Director within five (5) schools days. The Nursing Director reserves the right to restrict the student’s participation in clinical experiences and involvement in patient care until the license is valid and unrestricted and terms of the action are met and the action is dismissed.

Transfer, Readmission and Financial Aid

Transfer

Students transferring from another school of nursing will have previous courses assessed to determine placement. Students must provide evidence of all courses taken at another school. Nursing courses must have been completed not more than three years prior to admission. A reference from a nursing instructor is required. Guidelines for transfer students are included in the school catalog. Transfer students must pass the course specific ATI exam(s) for the previous semester with two attempts. Science requirements apply to transfer students.

Readmissions

Students who fail to successfully complete a required nursing course are required to complete an exit interview form with a nursing instructor, which shall include the student’s option for readmission and recommended remediation.

An applicant must repeat the application process. Readmission is in no way automatic. The application for readmission must be completed by October 1st for the spring semester and February 15th for the fall semester.

A student is eligible to repeat only one nursing course during the current track.

The Nursing Program must be completed within three years after successfully completing Nursing 1118.

Readmits must complete an interview with the faculty, prior to ranking, to review exit interview action plan.

Students applying for readmission must pass the course specific ATI exam/s with a level two for the all previous semesters with two attempts.

Only after approved for readmission by faculty and ATI exams have been passed, will a student be ranked in the admission process.

Only 10% of any campus’s students can be students that are readmitted in the track and cohort. Student’s preference for a campus is not guaranteed.

Student who reapply to NURS 1118 or NURS 1303, in a new cohort, will not be considered in the 10%.

Science requirements apply to readmission applicants.

Financial Aid

Students in need of financial aid may contact the Office of Financial Aid for information on the variety of scholarships/funds available to nursing students. There are financial aid officers on campus.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Any student requiring accommodations should fill out an application in the Wilburton campus Academic Affairs Office, McAlester or Idabel Campus Director’s Office.